HFA in Special Forces

[NYTG]

I have been trying to find out a concrete answer to the following question (I searched the forums but found nothing on this topic, and all my web searches have come up with guesses from people who don't seem to really know):

I have Asperger's Syndrome, a form of High Functioning Autism. Unlike many others I know, AS does not effect me in such a way that would make me unfit for service. I do fine socially, I work good in a team, and do not exhibit any of the issues that are listed at the bottom of http://www.aspires-relationships.com...e_military.htm except occasional literal interpretation of things being said.

I have done as much research into the topic (AS and the military) as I can, and so far the answer I have found is either "Probably not" or "case by case". The author in the above article said there was a recent policy change but I have been unable to find anything else on it.

I read through the listing of disqualifies for service, and Asperger's is not specifically listed. Am I to assume that this means as long as I meet the other requirements (Physical, no issues with my background, no other mental health problems, etc), I am indeed eligible to enlist?

I want to go the SF route, most likely through the 18x option. Am I 100% sure I am capable? no. But I want to try, and I think it is definitely within me to succeed. Before I get my hopes up, I really want to know for certain that it is possible to enlist. I talked to a recruiter some time back who didn't know the answer.

So, if somebody here does know the answer to this, or knows somebody who has AS in the military, I would greatly appreciate any information that can be given.

Thank you.

Edit: I was not exactly sure were to post this, since the question is about both enlisting, and SF in my case. If this is in the wrong section, please move it and I apologize for the inconvenience.

[Penn]

A classmate of mine at UPenn has your profile. He was recently enlisted;4yrs contract, Airborne Qualified. I'll contact him later today for him to contact you. PM me your email address.

[NYTG]

Originally Posted by Penn

A classmate of mine at UPenn has your profile. He was recently enlisted;4yrs contract, Airborne Qualified. I'll contact him later today for him to contact you. PM me your email address.

Thank you. Sent a PM.

[Dusty]

Originally Posted by NYTG

I want to go the SF route, most likely through the 18x option. Am I 100% sure I am capable? no.

First thing you should do is change that mindset.

[NYTG]

Originally Posted by Dusty

First thing you should do is change that mindset.

Fair point. I should have phrased that better when I first posted. Please allow me to clarify what I meant:

I cannot be 100% sure I am capable of anything, but I can give anything I try 110%. Even though I am not positive I can, for sure, complete the training, it won't stop me from trying my hardest to do so if I am eligible and do enlist. I am also not looking for a promise or guarantee of any sort. If you make it to SFAS, from what I understand, you only leave if you injure yourself, violate safety, or quit. I have no intentions of any of those things, especially not quitting. If I make it through and am not selected, if given the chance to try again, I would.

I apologize if I came off the wrong way in my initial post.

I had a good friend who was the same, high functionable, etc. He made an excellent career of SF, went as far as anyone could, did it all.

Have also a personal tax attorney, same diagnosis. He is less socialable, as any good lawyer is, but only second to a CPA I know. I've come to the conclusion, that most people just do not interest them at a level that makes for relaxed conversation, and when it get deep, they simple pound the other into a puddle of primordial goo.

They are extremely intelligent and posses an added benefit of common sense and stategy.

SF has a history for recruiting that which it needs. With any luck, you might end up a 18Z, having been a really great 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E, or 18F.

Do not limit yourself, GO FOR IT! Get your head on right, get committed, and get selected. Trust yourself, listen to the cadre.

[NYTG]

Originally Posted by wet dog

I had a good friend who was the same, high functionable, etc. He made an excellent career of SF, went as far as anyone could, did it all.

Have also a personal tax attorney, same diagnosis. He is less socialable, as any good lawyer is, but only second to a CPA I know. I've come to the conclusion, that most people just do not interest them at a level that makes for relaxed conversation, and when it get deep, they simple pound the other into a puddle of primordial goo.

They are extremely intelligent and posses an added benefit of common sense and stategy.

SF has a history for recruiting that which it needs. With any luck, you might end up a 18Z, having been a really great 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E, or 18F.

Do not limit yourself, GO FOR IT! Get your head on right, get committed, and get selected. Trust yourself, listen to the cadre.

Thank you Wet Dog, I really appreciate the encouragement. I take it due to the replies so far that the answer to my question is AS is not a DQ for enlistment. I'm glad I joined these forums.

[JimP]

I thought having some sort of "head space and timing issue" was a requirement for getting into SF. Not sure I've ever met ANYONE in Group or throutout SOF that much of society would consider "normal".